UPCOMING EVENTS
Announcing May 19 Opening of Renovated Museum of Boulder and Inaugural-Year Exhibitions
Nancy Geyer, Executive Director and CEO of the Museum of Boulder (formerly Boulder History Museum), today announced plans for the opening of the renovated and restored Museum of Boulder (former Masonic Lodge) at 2205 Broadway and the three exhibitions that will inaugurate the expanded gallery spaces.
Boulder’s only museum devoted exclusively to Boulder’s past, present and future, the Museum of Boulder will open its doors to the public on Saturday, May 19, 2018. The museum will boast 75 percent more gallery space to present its important collection and temporary exhibitions and will offer an entirely new and invigorated visitor experience, with interactive, immersive creative technologies.
“Join us for our Building Dedication and Block Party Celebration at the brand new Museum from 1-3pm featuring musical performances (Kids House of Joy | Gabriel Angelo | Samba Colorado), kids activities, community art projects and more. The official Ribbon Cutting will take place at 2pm followed by the opening of the building and free visitor access until 5pm to view Da Vinci Machines, Sportsology and Discover NASA exhibits,” notes Nancy Geyer.
The Museum of Boulder’s renovation provides the opportunity to redefine today’s museum experience and inspire each visitor to experience Boulder for all that it is - beautiful, weird, and everything in between. Visitors will explore the museum’s collections and exhibitions using groundbreaking technologies that inspire learning and experimentation. This new participatory experience is specifically designed to engage all audiences—students, teachers, families, young children, tourists and the general public.
“The Museum of Boulder’s opening marks a new chapter for the Boulder community,” said Ken Wilson, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. “The museum continues to serve the public on a local and global level through innovative exhibits, education and outreach programs.”
The largest initiative in the Museum’s history, the renovation and expansion of the former Masonic Lodge and historic landmarked building —have been achieved through an ongoing capital campaign of $11.3 million with $1.9 million left to raise.
“With three floors of exhibition galleries that can now stay open 12 months of the year, a proposed garden level Children’s Museum space (opening in 2019), the permanent second floor Boulder Experience Gallery (opening in November 2018), the Google Garage innovative space, and an inviting new street courtyard and entrance, and a rooftop deck with the best views of the Flatirons in all of Boulder, the Museum of Boulder will reach a broader audience and be more accessible than ever before,” said Nancy Geyer. “We have created a 21st-century museum that will bring our collections to life, while exploring the history,ingenuity and innovation of the Boulder region.”
In addition to the Museum of Boulder’s physical transformation, the museum now has a new graphic identity and website. Formally the “Boulder Historical Society Inc.” the museum has been renamed the “Museum of Boulder,” emphasizing the museum’s expanded role in our community. The museum has taken on a bold new graphic identity designed by Vermilion and recently launched a new website designed by The DOT.COM, both Boulder companies. Boulder’s inspiration headquarters, our new tagline “Find Your Muse”, creates an emotional connection between guests, the museum, and Boulder.
EXHIBITIONS
Taking full advantage of its enhanced, expanded and more flexible gallery space, the Museum of Boulder will open with a rich mix of exhibitions.
The Museum is thrilled to use its new space to host widely recognized exhibitions from respected institutions, including the Smithsonian and many more. For it’s opening, the Museum of Boulder is hosting Da Vinci Machines, created by the acclaimed Artisans of Florence; Sportsology, where kids of all ages can test their agility, speed and strength; and, Discover NASA, created here in Boulder by the Space Science Institute.
The much-anticipated Google Garage lets visitors defy the boundaries of their own imagination. Families, friends and even strangers can come together to tinker and experiment with technology tools and do-it-yourself projects in a space that invites innovation and creation.
The Boulder Experience, a comprehensive exhibit exploring Boulder’s past and present, will open November 17, 2018. It will be a space for visitors to engage with the breadth of innovation that was developed in Boulder and its impact on the world.
THE RENOVATION PROJECT
The transformation of the Museum of Boulder into a 21st-century museum respects the spirit and character of the landmark building (the former Masonic Lodge), providing much-needed upgrades to lighting, HVAC and signage, more flexibility of interior spaces to enhance visitor experiences and better accommodate object handling and above all to enhance public access on every level.
SPONSORS
The Museum of Boulder’s Da Vinci Machines exhibit is sponsored by the City of Boulder Arts Commission and Elevations Credit Union.
ABOUT MUSEUM OF BOULDER
Founded in 1944, the Museum of Boulder is an arts and cultural institution that showcases the remarkable accomplishments of Boulder through innovative exhibits, programs and social engagement. The Museum provides engaging experiences that celebrate the spirit of the Boulder region. Through exhibits about our history and stories of discovery, innovation, hardship and adventure, we create an inclusive and inspiring environment to explore, learn, reflect and have fun. The Museum of Boulder is a catalyst bringing individuals together as a living community. The Museum of Boulder is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization EIN#84-0576359.